Statue of Horus

This Late Period statue of a falcon represents the god Horus and would have been set up in a shrine or temple as the physical image of the god-King to receive offerings. Its eye sockets were once inlaid with rock crystal and its gold beak has been restored. Contemporary statues of falcons from this period suggest the statue originally wore a double crown. A hole runs from the tail of the bird through the body to the crown, then down to the beak, indicating oracular use. It is suggested that a “speaking tube” would have relayed the voice of priests to the petitioner, a way of allowing unseen priests to become involved in oracles.